12.29.2008

No pictures, but a new (embarassing) obsession.

So Christmas was good! For those of you who would like to know, there was no sparkly this year, but no big deal....I wasn't really expecting it. I did, however, get to go to the Movin' Out show at the Beau Rivage! Scott got us a pair of tickets for the show on the 19th. It was my "big" Christmas present and it was soooo great! Our seats were supposed to be in the upper section of the theater, but we arrived about 5 minutes into the production and the usher asked if we would like to sit closer. I told her we would and she took us to our new, closer seats....2nd row, center stage! It was awesome!! You could see every expression on the dancers' faces, every pointed toe, everything....such a perfect gift for me! Then on Christmas, I got Tupperware from my parents...yep, that's a big deal because this is the 2nd year I asked them to get me a "nice" matching set of Tupperware. Last year I got a chest freezer instead...yeah, I didn't understand that either. Anyway, Christmas was fantastic.

Now I realize that this would be the perfect blog to post fun Christmas pictures on, but I'm a dork and didn't take any pics. I don't know why. It could be because I refuse to add any more photos to the pile I swear I'm going to scrapbook...or it could be because I just suck at capturing memories. At any rate, sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll try to be better in '09.

Onto my new, embarrasing obsession. It all started innocently enough on Christmas Day at my brother's house. My sister-in-law, who is a lovely chick, asked me if I had read anything good lately. I told her I hadn't read anything that I just couldn't put down because I normally stick to the fluffy stuff. She told me she had been reading some books about vampires. I thought, okay, I'll keep this conversation going, because it's not often that Amanda and I actually have anything to talk about. She's great, but is pretty reserved...and well, I'm not at all! So I asked her more about the books. She got really excited and brought 2 very thick books to me and said, "You've got to read these!" Of course, I'm sure you've all figured out that the books she showed me we the first 2 of the Twilight saga. Now I swear, I have not been living under rocks lately, it's just that as much as I adore celebrity gossip, I don't really get into movies. Apparently, this is a huge "tween/teen" thing....who knew?
I told Amanda I would read the first one and when I finished it, I would get the 2nd from her. She told me to go ahead and take both, but I didn't even though she said she'd finished the first in 4 days and the second in less than that. I thought, there is no way I'm jumping on this bandwagon! Boy was I wrong! So, I started the first book Thursday night around 7:30 and read for about 2 hours (Scott finally made me show him some attention). I finished that one on Saturday around noon. As soon as I finished that book, like the addict I am, I was trying to figure out how soon I could get the next one. I sent Amanda a text to tell her thanks for lending it to me and she was right. She called me and laughed that I'd finished it that quickly and told me she'd leave the 2nd one for me on the back porch the next morning so I could pick it up....
So I did pick it up, yesterday after lunch....I went to my parent's house and visited with Mom, the whole time wishing I could just find a quiet place to read undisturbed. I got home around 4:30 and piddled around....trying not to get the shakes, because the book was on the table and I felt obligated to do a few chores before I lost hours and hours in this story. So at 5-ish last night, I began the second book. I read for an hour and then had to cook dinner for my boys. Normally, cooking for them is no big deal, but they were interuppting my reading time. After dinner we sat around and I gave Scott and Tristan my undivided attention. When they finally left at 8:30, I was so relieved...I could finally find out what was happening to all of my "new friends". I read until 11 and I only have about 100 pages left to read now. I don't know what I'm gonna do when this book is over...Amanda is getting the 3rd and 4th book from a friend of hers for Christmas so it will be a week before I can get my hands on my next fix!!! I refuse to buy the 3rd and 4th books though...the less evidence the better.
Anyway, so I'm embarassed. The writing in this series is phenomenally easy to read and the characters are pretty easy to relate to and invest in, but I feel so guilty about reading this series. Is it 'cause I know that there are a million 13-18 year old girls crushing hard on the vampire boy? I don't have a crush on any of the vampires. Sure, they're way cool, but Edward and his clan are a little to "girly man" for me. Oh well, if you call and can't get in touch with me, you know what I'll be doing for the next couple of days.

12.19.2008

Still Singing!

Okay, I'm adding more to my Christmas song barrage. I got this article from MSN's website.

10 Worst Holiday Songs
And why we hate them . . .
1. Dominick the Donkey, Lou Monte--If we wanted to hear that much braying, we’d sit next to our asthmatic uncle Fred. WTF! I have never ever heard of Dominick.
2. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Elmo & Patsy--Because Nana’s drinking is no laughing matter. Totally agree with the song, but the reason is a little lame...drunk Nana is always fun!
3. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), The Chipmunks & David Seville--Regrettably, the Xanax is in our other purse. I actually like this one, however, it could be grating after the 476th listen
4. Jingle Bells, The Singing Dogs--Hmmm, barking dogs. See also: reasons to move. Not sure what this one is...and I think that's good.
5. Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano--The only Spanish we retained from high school. So not true...I also learned the Elephant song in 9th grade Spanish...thanks Mrs. Smith
6. I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Tommie Connor--Fanning the fears of infidelity and broken marriages since 1952. Hehehe...I like this reason
7. Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus?, Augie Rios--Sparking the Santa-ain’t-real conversation in homes all across the country. It's probably not necessary to tell you that I have no idea what song they're talking about.
8. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer--Someone’s gonna yell “like a light bulb!” and think they’re being cute. But they won’t be. I'm the girl yelling "like a light bulb!" What's it to you?!?
9. Christmas in Hollis, Run-DMC--Santa doesn’t get jacked in the ’hood. How festive. Well, of course Reverend Run has a Christmas song, it's now officially a hymn with his congregation (or not)
10.The Christmas Shoes, NewSong--Why would you do this to yourself? Seriously, people take medication to avoid this feeling. I totally agree...this song makes me want to spike the eggnog just a little more.
And my addition to this list...
11. Last Christmas, George Michael (Wham!)--I know it's better to give than to receive, but George, you should've kept it to yourself....ALL of it.

I'll follow up with the Favorite Songs list on Monday!! Have a happy weekend!

12.17.2008

I love Christmas music!

I don't know about y'all, but we have a station (or two) in Mobile that start playing Christmas music non-stop somewhere around August 23rd! Anyway, I've heard "I'll be home for Christmas", "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Baby" about 47,069 times so far. So I thought I'd add a couple of new versions I found on Fast Company's website. I get the magazine in the mail and it's pretty interesting most months so I visit the website too. Enjoy these recession-ized favorites!

(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “WINTER WONDERLAND”)
New home sales, they are dropping
No one feels like going shopping
It is awful, it’s true
But what can you do
Be happy that you’re breathing and alive

No one has any money
It is not even funny
Your friends are all broke
But life is a joke
Be happy that you’re breathing and alive

In a year the worst will sure be over
We’ll be back and strong and on our feet
Unless we’re second place by then to China
But being number two is just as sweet

Suck it up, we will manage
We’ll repair all the damage
We’re just in a slump
It’s just a speed bump
Be happy that you’re breathing and alive


AND.....

(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “JINGLE BELL ROCK”)
Help us out, help us out, help us Barack
We’re in a sling, so please do your thing
You are the new guy and that means so much
Do you mind being our little crutch?

Soon you’ll be, soon you’ll be in office, Barack
It’s up to you, we haven’t a clue
You have inherited quite a big mess
We expect the best!

We’re in fright time, it’s the right time
To tell us it’s okay
Sure you’re human, but things are loomin’
We need a miracle, we need it today

Hurry up, Prez-Elect, get on the stick
Solve all our problems now
We like to abdicate responsibility
So, please help us out
Won’t you help us out
Please just help us Barack!


Seriously, don't forget that this time of year isn't really about the Biggest, Best and who can spend the most money....just being with friends and family should help take some of the stress away. And if it doesn't, just keep singing!

12.16.2008

You love me, you really love me!! (and other notes)

Well, it seems that my BFF, Lu, hearts my poor, neglected blog.

I swore that when I started this, I was going to make a point to write at least 4 times a week. This award has prompted me to soldier on and make my blog more than it currently is. So, Lu, my blog thanks you!!

Onto the rules....as I understand it, I'm supposed to post the award to this blog. Here it is!


I am then to acknowledge how fabulous the bestower of the award is....and really, what can I say about Lu! She's known me forever and still likes me. She's a wonderful friend, mother and the strongest woman I know. I admire and love her and even though I don't get to see or talk to her as much as I'd like, I know we'll always be close!

Next, I believe I'm supposed to pass this award onto 7 of my blog friends. I'm going to beg of the committee that they allow me sometime in completing this task. I only have 3 bloggy friends and all of them have had the award within the past several weeks. As I make some new friends, I'll pass along the award with pride!

Finally! I have some holiday eating tips that crack me up. I got these from the following link and let me just say, I like the way this lady thinks!

http://www.innocentmind.myhostforlife.com/cholidaytips.htm

Holiday Eating Tips
I hate some things about this time of year. Not the crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds.
You can't pick up a magazine without finding a list of holiday eating do's and don'ts...eliminate second helpings, high-calorie sauces and cookies made with butter, they say. Fill up on vegetable sticks, they say.
Good grief. Is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas a carrot stick? I didn't think so. Isn't mine, either. A carrot is something you leave for Rudolph.
I have my own list of tips for holiday eating. I assure you, if you follow them, you'll be fat and happy. So what if you don't make it to New Year's? Your pants won't fit anymore, anyway. Enjoy the tips!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.


And remember this motto to live by:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

11.25.2008

My Giving of the Thanks!

Reasons I heart Thanksgiving:
#1: Family!!


#2: Friends!! Thanksgiving is a great time to catch up with everyone so you guys better call or text me!


#3: Turkey and the fixins'














#4: After dinner nap

#5: Leftovers (Nobody really wants a pic of that)


#6: Shopping


#7: 29 more days til Christmas!!!


11.21.2008

Sales Blitz hell!!!

This is the time of year for giving thanks, for relaxing and being able to slack off a bit, right? Well apparently not in the jacked up world of technical recruiting!

So for those of you who don't know my history, let me take you back a bit. I started off 2008 in a nice office (if you like cheap wood paneling) all to myself, head of my department (me and a pregnant girl). The company was small, local and perfect for me. I got to use my very expensive Marketing degree (you hear the 'rents cheering in the background) and really liked what I did. The pay was just okay, but I liked my job description.
Fast forward to July 25th, around 2:13pm. I'm sitting in my retro office, planning an event and the HR manager walks in. Now this was not uncommon. She and I got along well and would occasionally waste a few minutes (hours) shooting the breeze. So I look up with my winning smile waiting for a cute anecdote about her 7 year old, Myles. Instead I'm greeted with a somber-look. So she basically says the company is not doing so well, we're having to let people go. Me being the invincible (ie naive) person that I am say, "Oh, well that stinks. Who has to go?" totally thinking since I'm the only one in my department, I'm safe. HR lady says she's sorry, but I need to collect my things and turn in my keys, I'll get severance pay, don't-let-the-door-hit-me-in-the-ass. Not a great situation, but hey, I got to go to the beach a couple hours earlier than I planned.
A month later, I get a job with QTS. Now during the interview process I knew this was the place for me. The office is 18 women and 3 guys. All of the women are anywhere from 25-50 and sooooo nice. It seemed like a great environment (and it really is). I accepted the job, not really knowing what exactly I would be doing, but the part I could determine sounded like cake. I started the first week of September and it has been interesting to say the least.
My main job is to call about a million people a day to find out how there business is doing and if they have any open jobs that my company can help them find employees for. We're not really a temp agency, more of a head-hunter since we deal with engineers, designers, CFOs and the like. These past few months have helped me learn more about myself than anything else. For instance, I despise talking with strangers on the phone!!! It's weird, because if I talk to them once, then they never feel like a stranger again, but I have to make myself call that first time. I've also decided that I'm not a salesperson. Luckily, the majority of my job doesn't require that but I can so easily take "No" for an answer. I think this is because it annoys me to be on the other end of that and get stuck with the uber-salesy telemarketer...
So, here's the point of my rant. This week the president of our company, who I really do like, tells us that she's come up with a great contest. Ooooh contest!! And a I'm always the Jackpot winner in Biloxi ....not! So the contest is to "dig up" the most job orders for our recruiters to work on next week. (A job order being an order to help fill a job the client has open) Yippee Skippee! The dutiful employee I am, I tried to be positive, but I was really dreading it. As I'm sure you all know, the economy sucks right now. Companies aren't hiring; they're laying off. The only companies hiring right now are the fuel companies and the insurance companies (80% surplus anyone???) Anyway, the contest started Tuesday and I talked to over 50 different hiring managers and got 48 are-you-living-under-a-rock responses. Two clients felt bad for me and I'm pretty sure they just made something up to get me off the phone (has anyone heard of a chemical company needing an elephant scrubber?). There are 6 other people throughout my company that do the same thing I do...4 of them are in the same boat I am; sucking...the other 2, who are based in New Orleans and Houston (can anyone say OIL and GAS?) did really well. They got, like, 15 orders and I got 2. Here's the really disappointing part, the grand prize was $1000. Yeah, there goes Christmas for the family. Everyone's getting cookies from me this year!

Oh well, the contest is finally over and I'm exhausted. I really want to do nothing 'til Thanksgiving, but I have a feeling Prez is going to have another brainstorm this weekend and we'll be doing a Turkey Toss contest in the halls here next week. Wish me luck! Cookie and Al need new collars!

11.20.2008

My first Blog

So with all the crazy in the world, I figured I'd add mine.
I originally hesitated to create a blog for a few reasons:

#1: I don't have a kid, so I'm gonna have to work extra hard on Wordless Wednesdays.

#2: My job is a little crazy so I don't know how well I'll keep up in the first place...what with the boys (more on them later) and animals I've got hanging around.

#3: I'm not sure everyone wants to hear about my little take on the world around me. But have you read some of the blogs out there....wowee is all I'm saying!

So here's my venture into the blogosphere. I hope you guys enjoy. I'm so open to suggestions since I'm a newbie.